August 2009

MOSAIC COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CHANGES NAME TO INCOMMON

Organization will continue to serve the poor under new title

Mosaic Community Development asked the question “What’s in a Name?” in titling the organization’s re-branding event. That question has been answered.

The downtown Omaha non-profit officially re-launched under the name “inCommon,” drawing from the second chapter of Acts which discusses the need for community relationships, a need the organization attempts to address in its mission of alleviating poverty.

Executive director Christian Gray unveiled the new title with community coordinator Jodi Cooper Friday night. The two tore down a black curtain that had been mounted in the middle of Mosaic’s facility to reveal the inCommon logo, which still features the “mosaic moon” used in the Mosaic emblem.

“Albeit a radical way of approaching life, becoming an in common community has significant advantages,” Gray told a crowd of over 115. “We seek to guide people toward tangible expressions of this community. Together we perpetuate the possibility of holding our resources in common and the ground on which we stand in common.”

In addition to a new organization title, inCommon’s specific ministries have undergone name changes as well. The individual development side of inCommon’s mission, formerly SupportWorks, is now called CommonLife. This facet of inCommon features weekly meal CommonTable (formerly Life on the Brick) and Bible study CommonStory (formerly The Vine). The organization’s community development aspect that works primarily in the Park Avenue neighborhood in Omaha, SupportNetworks, is now called CommonGround.

The name switch serves as an opportunity to not only move forward with Mosaic’s new identity, but to establish the organization in the minds of Omahans who may not know about it. The non-profit’s support programs and financial stability are based entirely off personal and community relationships.

“The solution (to poverty) has to be found in people,” Gray said. “Our mission is to fight poverty not by offering (the poor) more services, but by offering them ourselves.”

“What’s in a Name?” festivities kicked off with an Omaha “TweetUp,” hosted by Silicon Prairie News, Thursday at 6:30 p.m. For over two hours, local Twitter followers of Mosaic convened in person to discuss the organization and new ways to use social media to promote events.

Mosaic elected not to announce their new identity publicly until Gray’s speech Friday night. Before he took the microphone, local acoustic artists Nate Mickish and Micah Bruce performed. Tim Wildsmith took his turn on the wooden six-string after Gray finished speaking.

Saturday, inCommon Community Development opened its doors for the first time. Local artist collaboration Just Rest created domestic pieces to serve as tangible reminders of poverty.

A silent art auction featuring 52 pieces took place throughout the three-day event.

The decision to change the organization’s name stems from the establishment of another “Mosaic” in Omaha. In 2003, Bethphage and Martin Luther Homes consolidated to create support for the developmentally disabled.

With its new name and image established an announced, inCommon Community Development is planning an informal meeting for Aug. 27 in hopes of recruiting partners and volunteers for its various programs. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m.

-Phil Ervin, inCommon Summer Intern

CommonGround

The time has finally come! We now have a catchy and reflective name for the work inCommon Community Development is doing in Omaha neighborhoods: CommonGround. We are excited to unveil this new ministry name as inCommon CD continues to support and advocate for the necessity of healthy and livable neighborhoods for all our neighbors.

CommonGround organizes asset-based neighborhood development through resident empowerment, collaborative partnerships, and creative initiatives promoting relationship-building and long-term, systemic change. CommonGround has collaboratively led the way in the formation of Neighbors United, an interfaith partnership involving over 15 faith communities, creatively building community in the Park Avenue neighborhood.

When considering inCommon CD’s general subscription to the ‘Three Rs’ of community development, the concept of ‘in common’ in the neighborhood context comes further into focus. As we advocate for and model relocation within under-resourced neighborhoods, we perpetuate the possibility of holding the ground on which we live ‘in common.’ As we advocate for and model redistribution, we perpetuate the possibility of holding our resources ‘in common.’ Finally, as we advocate for and model reconciliation (namely across socioeconomic, racial, and religious divides), we perpetuate the possibility of holding our our relationships, even our lives, ‘in common.’

-Brittany Hanson, Director of Community Development

CommonLife

As an organization, we recently changed our name to inCommon Community Development. The philosophy behind the name choice and change is largely connected to the scripture in Acts chapter 2 where we see a community of believers living a life of commonality and companionship with open hands and open hearts. We believe deeply in this “common life.” To continue moving forward with the vision we have of “transforming communities through community,” we are also changing the name of SupportWorks to CommonLife. The ministry still offers supportive networks for individuals and groups that are in relationship with those in need of these supportive relationships. However, we want to continue moving toward the ideal of a life lived together with commonality between all parties and authentic companionship. We long for the day when the body of Christ is living a common life with those in need, with vulnerable populations and neighborhoods.

-Katie Ursini, Director of CommonLife

NEW! Our online art auction will allow you to support MCD & local artists!

Our 3-day Rebranding Bash starts today, July 30^th! Please check out our website for more details and please join us for any and all 3 days!

Our local art gallery and silent auction will be opening tonight and will stay open for bids until Saturday, August 1^st at 2:00pm. Local artists have generously donated pieces to our art gallery, and the proceeds will be shared or solely donated to MCD! Previously, only those who were able to come to our physical gallery have been able to bid and purchase pieces. However, now everyone can support MCD and local art through our online gallery and auction!

How to View our Gallery and Bid Online:

Visit http://32auctions.com and under “View An Auction,” enter the Auction ID: mosaiccd and Auction Password: inaname

Now you can view the pieces that are up for sale! If you would like to bid on an item, click on “Create Account” on the upper right hand side of the screen. After you have inputted your information, you can then return to Mosaic Community Development’s online auction and start your bidding!

We are so excited to offer this opportunity for our many supporters who live out of the area. Thank you so much for your faithful and ongoing support!

July 2009

“WHAT’S IN A NAME?” A 3 Day Re-Branding BASH!!

With new developments emerging in its programs to help support the impoverished in Omaha, Mosaic Community Development will unveil its new identity during a three-day celebration at the end of July.

“What’s in a Name? A three-day re-branding bash” will take place at Mosaic Community Development at 1258 S. 13th St. in downtown Omaha. Expected to draw over 500 guests, the event is slated to start Thursday, July 30 and last until Saturday, August 1.

An Omaha “TweetUp” is set for 6:30 p.m. Thursday. This nationally emerging networking activity will allow Twitter followers of MosaicCD to come together and mingle in person.

Friday’s festivities will also commence at 6:30 p.m. and feature live music, an silent art auction and reception. Mosaic will officially announce its new name to all its patrons at this time. $10 door donation is suggested.

Friday’s art auction will carry over into Saturday starting at 11 a.m. and last all day. The third and final day of “What’s in a Name?” will showcase the work of “Just Rest,” a local artist collaboration dedicated to creating poverty awareness.

Mosaic has kept its new name behind its own doors, and executive director Christian Gray is hopeful this event will be an opportunity to not only move forward with Mosaic’s new identity, but also establish the organization in the minds of Omahans who may not know about it. The non-profit’s support programs and financial stability are based entirely off personal and community relationships.

“Our goal is to expose as many people as possible to the organization’s newly refocused vision and mission, to deepen current partner relations, and to cultivate new partner support among individuals, organizations, and businesses throughout the Omaha metro,” Gray said. “In order to further its mission, Mosaic Community Development must distinguish itself among the other dynamic community organizations in the area, as well as invite in a broad base of community volunteerism and partnership.”

Another “Mosaic” emerged in Omaha in 2003 when Bethphage and Martin Luther Homes consolidated to create support for local developmentally disabled individuals.

“With 180 combined years of organizational development and heritage, this larger Mosaic clearly overshadows its grassroots, downtown neighbor,” Gray said.

Friday is expected to be the most-attended portion of “What’s in a Name?” Patrons, partners, volunteers and the general public will have the opportunity to be the first to experience Mosaic’s new identity.

A BIG THANKS to Equitable Bank for partnering with MCD in presenting “What’s in a Name?”

* Follow us on FB and Twitter (you must be signed into your FB account to view this page)

Phil Ervin, Summer Associate

World Refugee Day

On Saturday June 20 people from all across Omaha gathered at Benson High School to celebrate World Refugee Day. World Refugee day is an international holiday to remind the public about the millions of refugees worldwide and the issues they face and to also celebrate the diversity that they bring to the communities in which they settle.

The event started with an opening ceremony, including a parade of flags led by children clothed in their native dress. It was a very colorful and joyful celebration to see how all the refugees supported one another as their flags were presented. The day also included song and dance performances by many refugees, including a dance by the Hmong community, and songs performed by the Sudanese and Karen community.

There were free health screenings and fire safety classes for refugee families in attendance. Due to cultural differences, refugee families experience a higher number of home or apartment fires. The Red Cross designed a presentation to meet the specific needs of refugee families in relation to fire safety. A display was set up of a refugee camp, including a small tent made of a tarp, so that those who were not refugees themselves could see what meager living conditions many of our friends had to endure on their journey here.

A few more highlights included the delicious food and samosas provided by the Karen community, the stories shared by many refugee speakers, and a children’s’ carnival. Samuel Deng  shared about his experiences as one of the “Lost Boys” of Sudan and his travels as a pre-teen across hundreds of miles of African plains to find refuge in a camp in Kenya. He is currently in college in Omaha and hopes someday to return and help his family back in Sudan. It was encouraging to hear so many refugees tell their stories of determination and hope in God’s leading, despite their difficult situations.

It was fun to see many of the members of Harambe (local church Coram Deo’s ministry to the Burundian community) participating in the events. Many children that attend Harambe returned over and over to the Mosaic booth to laugh and point at their pictures displayed on our information board. The day ended with an awards ceremony for those who have gone above and beyond in their involvement with the refugee population in Omaha and a fashion show. Many women and children from Sudan, Kenya, Somalia, and the Karen population were proud to model and display pride in the clothing of their countries! It was a celebratory experience as everyone clapped, danced, and cheered for each other and the wonderful contributions they bring to our community.

Lydia Elliot, Summer Associate

Life on the Brick

Summer time is here. The sun is shining in full force, the days are hot and long and people are out and about enjoying every minute of it (with the exception of the intense heat and humidity we experienced last week).

Summer is a time when people travel, go visit friends and relatives, or just get out of town for a while. It is no different with our Life on the Brick friends. Summer has brought about many different faces. Some of our regular friends are moving around and visiting other places and each week we see our own share of new faces sitting around the table.

In the midst of all the changing faces, the culture at Life on the Brick has changed as well. In addition to acquiring two more regular meal partners (Grace Baptist Church and the Omaha Vineyard) we have been intentional about raising the bar spiritually at Life on the Brick. We have worked toward this in a couple of different ways. First, we have set up regular prayer times, one before LOB and one after LOB, where we can bathe the evening in prayer and ask God to do whatever it is that He wants to do. It is not just an agenda we have set and then to close the evening and “seal” it in prayer as well. Secondly, we have encouraged, empowered and released all of our team members to engage our guests as God leads. This can mean opening a Bible and sharing with them what is on their heart, including the Gospel message, praying for healing or whatever their need may be, and just loving them the way that Christ loves us.

As the summer continues, our desire to meet people’s needs will also carry on as well , not just physical, but spiritually as well as we offer them not just bread for their stomach, but the Bread of Life for their soul.

Kip Givens, LOB Coordinator

June 2009

Dear Friends

Soon our offices will be filled with the hustle and bustle of summer interns joining the world of Mosaic Community Development! We are so excited and blessed to have such high quality individuals eager to learn and work alongside of us for 8 weeks this summer. We know many of them are turning down higher paying opportunities and making some sacrifices to be with us this summer, and we urge you (if you happen to know or run into any of them in the Omaha area this summer) to express your appreciation to these lovely individuals.

If you’re involved in the Facebook or Twitter world, we invite you to join MCD’s Page on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter! We’d love to have your support and keep you up to date on the exciting events going on. Additionally, we want to extend a huge “thank you!” to AmeriGroup Foundation for blessing us with a contribution to our organization and for striving to “promote community improvement and healthy neighborhoods” as part of their company’s vision.

Finally, you are the first to know our secret: We are changing our name! This summer we are throwing a huge party on Friday, July 31st to celebrate and launch our new name! Keep your eyes and ears out for more clues about our name change, which won’t be revealed until July 31st! Additionally, keep your calendar clear for an art auction and neighborhood sidewalk sale to be held that Saturday, August 1st! Please come out and celebrate with us that weekend.

SupportWorks

I sat down a few weeks ago with a few of my friends over breakfast. The party was comprised of myself, a couple from a local house church and a man that I have become friends with through my years of being at Mosaic and our meal on Monday evenings. The meal was an introduction and the beginning of a SupportWorks relationship. I was nervous and protective of all those involved. I wanted to hover and make each party see how great the other was, but I resisted, prayed and allowed the Lord to move through the meeting. The essence of SupportWorks doesn’t need me to hover over it, it is simple. It is people coming together to open themselves up to relationship. Don’t get me wrong, simple and easy are not synonymous, but it was beautiful. My friend, whom I have known for a few years now, was visibly touched that people wanted to get to know him and invite him into their lives. I pray that this is the beginning of a long and healthy friendship of growth and restoration for all those involved. If you, your church, or small group are interested in hearing more about SupportWorks, please e-mail me at Katie@mosaiccd.org.

Katie Ursini, SupportWorks Coordinator

Life on the Brick

“Jesus comes for sinners…He proclaims that He has invited sinners and not the self-righteous to His table…an honored guest…a larger, homelier, less self-conscious cast of people who understand they are sinners because they have experienced the yaw and pitch of moral struggle.” ~Brennan Manning

Each month I typically thank you all for the amazing response to the needs for Monday’s LOB and for providing such a delicious meal with so many special touches. This month is no different, the nearly 100 people who attended LOB this past week left full and content, so thank you! Today, though, I also want to thank you for freeing up me and the other volunteers from cooking so that we are able to participate in LOB with very little distraction. Your provision doesn’t just feed the hungry, it allows us time to engage the guests, and gives me and so many others the opportunity to experience the radical nature of the Gospel. Permit me the chance to offer a personal reflection which comes about as the result of more time to interact with my friends at LOB.

In a time of prayer and reflection, I read the above quote. As Manning reminds me, it is on Mondays, among this motley cru of humbled and self-admitted broken people, that I (and other volunteers) experience the truth of the Gospel: That I am deeply loved by God and have done nothing to earn the restoration of a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. For, among my friends, there are very few pretenses and little opportunity to hide myself behind a mask of self-righteousness (believe me, I’ve tried). I am continually forced to embrace my poverty and need for the Lord.

Let me illustrate. Weekly, something happens to burst my happy bubble. For instance, my relationship with H is a continual witness to her self-absorption and self-centeredness. BUT, it is also a blinding witness to my own deep selfishness as I recognize my growing frustration for her lack of care for ME. I seek to be understood and known rather than understand and know. My relationship with B taxes me with her weekly demands for my attention to her needs and sometimes passive/aggressiveness. I am forced to release my need for control of my time and energies as I either have to enter into confrontation with her or love her where she is. T’s OCD, chauvinistic comments, and difficult demands confront my need for affirmation, wanting to serve easy people who appreciate how “great” I am. G’s daily drive to remain sober – announcing to me every chance he sees me the number of days since his last binge – challenges my own hopelessness and faithlessness.

Some weeks run smoothly by my standards, but most weeks I am either in confrontation or rolling my eyes as a friend pouts in the corner. And EVERY week, multiple times, I pause and plead “Lord Jesus, have mercy on me, I am a sinner.” I am forced to own my poverty, neediness, and powerlessness. I am a terrible sinner, but I am granted the ability to experience the goodness of the Lord, and it is among my bedraggled group of (sometimes unintending) vulnerable friends that I experience the Gospel. God loves this icky, needy, selfish, controlling, affirmation-hungry person. So thank you for making this possible, and, as always, please feel invited to join us for these fun and challenging meals.

Sonya Gray, Community Cultivator

May 2009

The Vine

It seems to me that there is a common perception out there that following Jesus is a “fix all,” a magical moment which immediately heals all your wounds, removes all your addictions, and makes you a very happy person. As many of us know, the reality is, of course, not that simple, and certainly not that easy. Anyone who reads Paul’s lamenting of his own struggles in Romans 7 can come to the conclusion that, although Paul uses a lot of confusing repetition, it is clear that his life isn’t full of easy, breezy, beautiful moments. But rather he tells us that his own heart is at war, and that his only hope for rescue and redemption is in Jesus Christ.

Biblical lamenting, according to one of our partner churches Coram Deo expresses 4 things: Things are not right in the present arrangement, they need not stay this way but can be changed, the speaker will not accept them this way, and it is God’s obligation to change things. By studying Biblical history we can see that the God of the Bible invites us into lamenting the pain, hurt, and depths of sin and darkness we see in ourselves, others, and around us. Unfortunately I think that it is sometimes very easy for us to forget about the “around us” component.

Here at MCD, our hope and prayer is that we would not only lament the pain we have received from others and bestowed upon others, but that we would lament the depth of brokenness, isolation, and lack of value that many of our friends struggle with everyday. The community-wide Point in Time Count of homeless residents in Omaha and Council Bluffs (facilitated by the Metro Area Continuum of Care for the Homeless) on January 29, 2009 counted 1,258 people experiencing homelessness on that particular day. The percentage of those individuals who are chronically homeless remains above national statistics at 21%.

Whether you study statistics, or simply listen to someone’s story as you eat together at Life on the Brick or talk together at the Vine, it is clear that there is a need for us to take notice of those around us, to lament together, and as Paul did, look to Jesus for redemption, rescue, and His Kingdom to come.

Jodi Cooper, Community Coordinator

Life on the Brick

Rain…showers…thunderstorms…sunshine…warm air…yes, spring is here and at Life on the Brick spring creates excitement and anticipation.  As the temperatures rise so do the spirits of our friends.  Spring is a time of new beginnings.  Naturally, spring is a time that brings things back to life – grass that was brown and dead now grows and turns deep green, flowers that lay dormant for months begin to bud and produce colors so glorious only God could be their Gardener, trees with barren and naked branches filling once again with leaves bright and majestic.

In many ways spring also carries with it a sense of newness spiritually and emotionally.  We feel alive again.  We feel as though we can go out and conquer once again.  We breathe deep and long and feel invigorated, ready to take on anything.

As spring rolls on it is our desire to use this time of “newness” and “aliveness” that is in the air to challenge people to grow and change themselves for their betterment, not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well.  Here at LOB it is our intense desire to be available in any way possible for our friends, and together we can challenge each other to newness.

Kip Givens, Life of the Brick Coordinator

Park Avenue Community Meals

When first coming into the Park Avenue Community Meals on Saturdays, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I went into things a little shy, mostly just observing all of the things that were going on.  As time progressed, I began to have some really great conversations with some great new friends! I got to learn more about my new pals, Mike, Lola, Ethel and Joe from First Baptist Church.  They made me feel like I was already a part of the Park Avenue family, and also made my daughter feel the same way! Each week over a meal we share stories of our lives: Mike’s many stories of the restaurant business and his family in Las Vegas, Lola’s stories about Mike, Ethel’s stories about her wonderful family and all of Joe’s stories of his art and music! It is a great time of laughter, friendship and a lot of fun. It is very touching and comforting to be able to look forward to going to the Park Avenue Community Meal every Saturday, knowing that I will have a warm friendly smile and a hug from my new friends. It is exciting to see that the Community Meal is a place where anyone can come and be who they are, and find family. All because of a shared meal, you have the opportunity to make a couple of life-long friends. To me, this is a prime example of how a community should function, and in that it truly defines the word “community”.

Dana Givens, Companion Coordinator

April 2009

Don’t forget to go the the eNewsletter site! Click here.

Dear Friends:

If you live in the Omaha area you might not believe it (what was with that snow this weekend?), but summer is on its way! We can’t believe it either and preparations are underway for what is going to be one of the busiest summers we’ve EVER had at Mosaic Community Development! Why, you ask? Because we have just received notice that we have been granted an AmeriCorps opportunity to bring on 6 to 8 Summer Interns! These “Summer Associates” will be working in different areas of MCD, in the Park Avenue neighborhood, with our local concert scene, and on developing MCD’s Promotional and Public Relations capacities. We can’t imagine these walls busting at the seams any more than they already are, but we’re ready to take on the challenge. If you are available for the eight weeks spanning June 8th to August 3rd, and want to learn about how you can join us this summer as an AmeriCorps VISTA Summer Associate, please email Jodi Cooper at jodi@mosaiccd.org!

SupportWorks:

The focus and heart of SupportWorks is to assist in establishing healthy, whole relationships between God’s people (Companions) and those in need of support and community. Right now we have a big need for Companions. There are a few individuals that have expressed that they have a need to be in a healthy community in order to move forward in their lives; however we are at a deficit of available individuals, small groups or house churches that are willing to enter in to relationship with them. Is this something that you, your small group, your church or a church you are in relationship with may want to consider being a part of? Please pray/think about this. These relationships will only be successful if they are entered into with joy in response to what God has done in you and for you. Obligation and duty should not be our motivation. If you have prayed about it and would like more information, please give me a call or shoot me an e-mail at MCD. My direct e-mail address is Katie@mosaiccd.org. I would love to chat with you as you are thinking through your role in SupportWorks. Blessings to you while you are on your journey.

Illumination Street:

We were lucky to have Katie Chiaramonte, a supporter of MCD, write about her experience at this month’s art show. Please enjoy as she walks you through her visual and emotional journey at the show. We hope she will inspire you to join us in July for our next show!

Illumination Street (IS) is a great place to spend a Saturday night for upstart artistic types as well as an innovative gathering for the socially aware. Not only is IS a great place to network with other like-minded individuals it is also a wonderful place to peruse local art talent and take in some refreshing live acoustic music while sipping on coffee and enjoying after-mealtime pastries. For those of you unable to attend this month’s event it will be my pleasure to mentally escort you through the doors of the Mosaic Community Development (MCD) Center, showing you the wide range of talents as well as giving you a feel for the ambiance of the event.

As you enter the doors of MCD to take part in IS (because you do feel like a part of something bigger instead of a mere onlooker) you are greeted by a welcoming hello and simple instructions on how to bid on the art pieces you would like to purchase. Once past the welcome table, I suggest filling a cup full of nice warm (and delicious) coffee and meandering slowly through the paintings hung creatively from chains on the old brick walls of the loft-like building. As you leisurely stroll through the artwork take time to listen to the lone acoustic soloist, Blepo, strumming his guitar and softly signing comfortable melodic harmonies. I suggest bringing a friend or loved-one along with you on your journey through the framed forest at IS, not only to expose them to the great work of MCD, but to have an outlet for conversation about the wide-range of artists.

My husband and I often gamble through the works together, picking our favorites and deciding together on our favorite show pieces. Conversation is never at a stand still for those moved by art and this month was no exception. With the theme of Devotion, captured by Danielle Powell and Jenny Cosgrove in their piece Destruction2Devotion, there was no doubt that the artists had come to share their hearts as well as their experiences through their chosen mediums. Laura Travnicek’s pieces Red and Purple evoke emotions of heartache and serenity, while, my husband’s favorite, Angie Philip’s Hope had us split between despair and faith. One of the highlights of the evening for myself was the work of Jodi Cooper, a member of the MCD team and, in my opinion, a brilliant photographer with a great eye for still-life that draw emotions of longing and peace simultaneously. But the cherry on top of the evening was Melissa Sinner’s collection of religious artwork that was pulled together in a seamless fashion by her outstanding Lady of Mercy piece. Sinner’s work speaks to the heart of those who have grown up in religious settings while painting a fresh portrait of often cliche images.

Needless to say, if you haven’t had the pleasure of attending an Illumination Street event, make it a priority! Supporters of MCD and local community members seeking to better their surroundings through creative means will find IS a refreshing and relaxing way to spend an evening while raising awareness and funds. Thank you to all those involved for giving my husband and I a taste of culture, exposing us to great local art, helping us fill our walls and bookshelves with mini-masterpieces and serving the community of Omaha by raising awareness for those in need of a helping hand. Bravo!

Park Avenue:

Opportunities to Get Involved:

The Neighbors United Community Meal Initiative continues to be a wild success in the Park Avenue neighborhoods.  Each week over 160 neighbors are joining us for a Saturday afternoon lunch focused on building community and relationships in the area.  We invite you to stop by and eat lunch with us any Saturday; several additional opportunities for involvement are listed below–click on the text or contact Brittany Hanson (brittany@mosaiccd.org, 402-933-6672) for more information:

• Meal Preparation and Service Volunteers
• Hospitality Volunteers
• In-kind and Financial Contributions
• Volunteers from the following professional fields: medical, employment (resume building, etc.), financial, mental health, substance abuse, hygiene (barbers, hair stylists, etc.), legal, and social work.

Spring in the Neighborhood.

Despite the temperamental nature of Spring’s arrival, she is finally here. On the days when the temperature reaches 60 degrees, I can’t wait to sit out on the front porch watching the kids play in the parking lot across the street. My porch is just half a block or so from the St. Mary’s Ave. and Leavenworth St.  intersection so it is a bit noisy due to the traffic. I sip tea and hear the ‘ding-ding’ man ringing his bell as he walks up and down neighborhood blocks selling corn on the cob and ice cream; sometimes I run down the street to find him so I can enjoy a tasty snack.

A bit weary from the recently temperamental weather, this morning I made a list of the many indicators that spring is here in the neighborhood.  Unavoidably, the list (see below) has many contradictions; the hopeful in juxtaposition with persistent frustration–along with my neighbors, I live somewhere between it all this Spring.

• Ice cream truck.
• For Rent signs.
• Neighbors walking dogs.
• Abandoned buildings.
• Ding-Ding man.
• Asphalt and cement.
• Kids playing across the street.
• Taco truck.
• East Africa Grocery Store.
• Chatting in the parking lot.
• Crack corners.
• Community Gardens.
• Lifted spirits.
• New construction.
• Stray cats.
• Green space, green again.
• Friends moving down the street.
• Pick-up games.
• Mother India.
• Spring cleaning.
• Bustling park.
• Contradictions.
• Graffiti influx.
• Full front porches.

Up Coming Events

The next two weekends are full of fantastic local art at the Mosaic! We hope you all can make it, because if you miss it you’ll be sorry!

Saturday March 28th 12pm-6pm Check out the Craft Mafia Show!

And don’t forget about Illumination Street

April 3rd &4th 7pm-10:30pm

All benefits for Illumination Street go to Mosaic Community Development, and there will be live music Friday night!

Both shows will be at The Mosaic 1258 s. 13th st Omaha!

March 2009

Dear Friends,

South High School

Recently we’ve had the great privilege (and adventure) of seeing our community development focus in the Park Ave neighborhood extend its reach a bit deeper into the neighborhood of South Omaha (for those of you not familiar with urban Omaha, the neighborhoods of Park Ave and South Omaha border each other and share many similar characteristics). Much of this has come about naturally via a budding relationship with St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, located directly across the street from South High. The initiative emerging from this relationship is a comprehensive project dedicated to supporting the teen parents, comprising approximately 80 mothers, who attend South High.

A truism that has been proven time and again through our experiences at MCD is that Christian Community Development not only builds community for those in need, it also builds community among us, the Church. In the words of Fr. Ron Whitmer, pastor of St. Martin’s:

It is this mission that has drawn us together, to make available our various resources and talents. It is this mission that may also be opening us up to a deeper dimension of our action, to awakening in us a sense that we are embarked upon a work to become “community builders, the ’seed carriers’ of the new culture….” It is the sense of mission that will guide us and sustain us as we proceed.

Prior to South High’s Principal identifying their need, we were isolated from not only the teen parents and their families in their situations, but also from one another. We were then like bits and pieces, fragments, in waiting.  However, once the articulation of this need was presented, we had an opportunity for coming together, for a mission and for being a community in formation.

Thank you for being a part of “transforming communities through community” with us. Our prayer is that you too would experience a deeper sense of community among the ever-growing body of Christ through your partnership with us in this work!

Christian Gray, Emissary

The Vine

Why do I live in Omaha? That’s the question I often ask myself…for various reasons. A few years ago I couldn’t believe I was actually putting some roots down in the city I promised myself I would never live in, having grown up nearby. After traveling off and on for a couple years, I was confident that all signs were pointing to me living elsewhere. And then a couple of years ago, as I was sitting in 1316 Jones St. on a Sunday morning with one figurative foot in the Omaha door, and one definitely out, my pastor said something that forced me to consider forcing that door shut. He said that God knew before my birth that I would be here now, and that He has me here now for a purpose. A purpose of living where I am, right now, to bring Him glory and to seek the coming of His Kingdom.

The past few weeks, we at the Vine, along with local church Coram Deo, have been studying the Theology of the City, seeking to understand how to glorify our King in the here and now, right where we are, where He has led us. To consider what it means to be a follower of Jesus living in and for Omaha.

Reading through a segment the Old Testament (1 Samuel through 2 Chronicles) in the previous couple of months, I see myself in the pages of the Kings who generation after generation failed to live for God’s glory, and instead built, worshipped and served their own kingdom. And I see our God who stands by in heartbreak, aching for His children to return to His covenantal love and to seek His Kingdom first.

Loving our city is clearly integral to pursuing the Kingdom of God, as well as an inseparable component of loving our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:39). In his book, The Beloved Community, Charles Marsh sums up this call and struggle well:

But I can and should struggle with my obligation as a Christian to view the city in all its forms and conditions through the eyes of the stranger, the excluded, and the poor. Christian reflection on the inner city must emerge out of relationships: the bonds of commitment to Christ and his peace for the poor. In Christ’s fellowship with the poor, in his identification with the depths of suffering through the cross, the cries from the depths of the inner city are also his, and the plea that all things might be made right becomes a yearning in the Spirit of God for God’s reign of peace.

Jodi Cooper, Community Coordinator

Special Thanks!

We want to extend great appreciation and thanks to Robyn Charles and her friends who sent in squares to compile beautiful and warm blankets to hand out to some of our friends here at MCD! We appreciate your creativity and generosity. You can visit Robyn’s website here and if you are interested in helping make some more blankets, she is going to begin collecting squares in July, so please contact her for more information.

Additionally, eBay Foundation recently awarded a GIVE Team grant of $5000 to Mosaic Community Development. The grant was made possible as a result of Amber Paulsen, an eBay Inc. employee, who recommended the organization for funding. Funds will support the Life on the Brick and Together Forward ministries!

Amber Paulsen and Christian Gray

eBay Foundation’s GIVE Team program encourages employees to become involved with and advocate funding for nonprofit organizations that work to improve the quality of life for all. A competitive program through with grant decisions are made by an employee committee, eBay Foundation GIVE Team grants are only made to organizations recommended for funding by the local committee.

Thank you Amber, for recommending us, and to Amanda Chipman, for compiling and submitting the grant on our behalf! MCD plans to update our meager kitchen by purchasing a dishwasher! We know all of you who have worked in our kitchen will be just as excited as we are.

Upcoming Events @ The Mosaic

March 20th, 7:00pm: Concert w/ The little Nasties, Eastern Turkish, and Trash.

March 21st, 7:00pm: Concert w/ Officially Terminated, Youth and Tear Gas, and the Shidiots.

March 28th, Noon to 6:00pm: Craft Mafia Art Show

April 3rd and 4th, 7:00pm-10:30pm: Illumination Street Art Auction

February 2009

Dear Friends and Family,

This month we welcome two very anticipated additions to our staff team – Kip and Dana Givens!

Kip has been an ordained minister for over 15 years, serving in a wide array of roles including Youth Pastor, Associate Pastor, Senior Pastor, and Lead Church Planter (planting one church in Illinois and another in Nebraska). In addition, he has written several books and contributed to news publications and online magazines. In his spare time, Kip loves to read (his favorite topics are grace, love, justice, and activism), listen to music (mostly the loud and hard kind), smoke cigars, and spend time with his beautiful wife and family.

Dana has been involved in several different ministries throughout her life,i ncluding Master’s Commission and an internship at the St. Louis Dream Center. Through these experiences she has come to the conclusion that “her life is not her own, but it’s about serving others, specifically the outcast.” She is happily married to Kip, “the love of her life,” and loves spending time with him and their family.  She also loves animals (dachshunds topping the charts), tattoos, styling hair and makeup, spending quality time with friends, and learning more about the things she is passionate about.
With Kip and Dana we also inherit their amazing kids, Tal and Emily, into the MCD family.  A four-for-one deal- God is good!  We look forward in anticipation to the further good things God will bring us in and through the Givens in the days ahead!

-Christian Gray, Emissary

SupportWorks

In the fall of 2008, we officially launched SupportWorks. We started by training and equipping individuals that were interested in being in a supportive, whole relationship with those in need. The subsequent steps to the initial training have been and will be connecting and pairing folks into these holistic relationships, working with the local church body to find those individuals or small groups that desire to be a part of these relationships and learning what it takes to facilitate and support these relationships as they grow. It has been humbling to watch God’s creative hand at work in the sharing of lives between individuals from different backgrounds. It has been humbling to see positive transformation occur even though we are still learning and at the beginning of the process. The next months the majority of my energy will be spent networking with the local body of Christ to open the opportunity up to enter into a SupportWorks relationship either as individuals or small group communities. I deeply believe that all of us who love Christ and chose to follow up Him know deeply that we have been given much and so in turn we have much to give. Please pray with us for all the relationships that are currently being fostered through SupportWorks.

Katie Ursini, SupportWork Ministry Director

Park Avenue

This month we celebrate the one year anniversary of Neighbors United, a collaborative group of Park Avenue area faith leaders and parishioners committed to responding relationally to pressing needs and concerns in the neighborhood–and this has been no small year! Mosaic Community Development has had the honor of organizing and facilitating this group since its birth in January 2008.

What began as a roundtable discussion and information sharing session twelve months ago has developed into a dynamic, action oriented collaborative body focused on grassroots community building and development.  Neighbors United launched its most recent initiative, the Community Meals, in September 2008; the initiative has become a smashing success. In just four and half months we have seen a number of substantial accomplishments:

· Over 2,700 hot meals have been served

· Over 130 volunteers have participated.

· Two neighbors (formerly homeless) are now in housing.

· Thirteen faith communities have successfully worked together to feed neighbors and build relationships.

· Hundreds of winter clothing items have been collected and distributed.

· Over 145 meals are served each week.

Along with these quantifiable outcomes come many other equally valuable, though often intangible, accomplishments.  Innumerable and invaluable relationships are developing among neighbors, parishioners, and faith leaders–many of whom look, speak, and behave much differently than each other.  Children are finding creative stimulation for their imaginations in the arts and craft corner.  Neighbors are finding a warm place of rest and conversation.

And so, our work continues.  This month over 20 faith leaders and parishioners from the neighborhood gathered to brainstorm what might be possible in 2009.  Ideas included community gardening, health screenings and monthly barber visits at the Community Meals, as well as long term interest in a community center.  In the words of poet Elizabeth Alexander, “[We] know there’s something better down the road…We walk into that which we cannot yet see…”

This year we have truly been blessed–blessed by the creativity of kids in the neighborhood, faith leaders and parishioners motivated by their faith commitments to act locally, and neighbors who stop us on the street just to check in.  And, we are becoming increasingly aware that is through the interconnections of these blessings that holistic transformation is possible for us, our neighbors, and our neighborhoods.

Brittany Hanson, Coordinator of New Program Development

January is National Mentoring Month! Get Involved!

SupportWorks is launching a youth mentoring program for at-risk youth.

We are looking for dedicated and caring mentors in the Omaha area.

Become a Friend, Coach, Teacher, and Role Model in a youths life.

If you are interesting in mentoring, please contact us for more information.

E-mail- samantha@mosaiccd.org

Phone- 402.933.6672